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Beginner dobro lesson

Cripple Creek on Dobro: Play-Along Lesson

In this lesson Mark teaches the basic melody of Cripple Creek, an old traditional tune he first learned from a Flatt & Scruggs version. He breaks the A part and B part into small pieces in the key of G, adds an optional first-string drone and pick blocking, and then plays it through slowly and at a brisker tempo.

What you'll learn

• The basic melody of Cripple Creek in the key of G, A part and B part
• Slides on the third string between the second, third and fourth frets
• A forward roll with the index on the second string and the middle on the first string
• How to add the open first string as an optional drone
• What pick blocking is and how it isolates tones
• How the B part ends, with pull-offs on the third and fourth strings

Step by step

1. A part, first half: start with a big strum, then play the fifth fret of the first string, the first string open, and the second string open.
2. Play a C chord on the fifth fret on the fourth, third and second strings, then the second string open.
3. A part, second half: slide from the second fret to the fourth fret on the third string, then play a forward roll.
4. Slide down from the fourth fret to the second fret on the third string, play the third string open, then walk up on the D string, sliding up to the fifth fret on the fourth string.
5. Play the A part twice.
6. B part: slide from the third fret into the fourth fret on the third string and do a forward roll (index on the second string, middle on the first string). Do that three times.
7. Slide down from the fourth fret to the second fret on the third string, then play the third string open. Add the open first string as a drone if you like.
8. End of the B part: slide from the third fret to the second and pull off on the third string, then pull off on the fourth string from the second fret to open, and hit the third string (G) open to end the melody.

In Mark's words

“Cripple Creek is an old traditional. I learned it first from a Flatt & Scruggs version.”

“I'm not changing the note, it's just adding a harmony to the melody that I'm playing.”

“I can either stop the sound of a string by blocking it, putting the pick back onto it, or I can let it resonate.”

Coming from lap steel or new to lap-style slide? See what carries over to the dobro.

Questions

What key is Cripple Creek in on dobro?

Mark teaches Cripple Creek in the key of G.

Where did Mark learn Cripple Creek?

Mark says Cripple Creek is an old traditional tune, and he first learned it from a Flatt & Scruggs version. He encourages you to check out other arrangements too, since each lends a slightly different approach to a very basic melody.

What is a drone note on dobro?

In Cripple Creek, Mark plays the open first string under the melody. He isn't changing that note; it just adds a harmony to the melody, and you can include it or leave it out.

What is pick blocking on dobro?

Pick blocking helps isolate tones as you play. Mark explains that you can stop the sound of a string by putting the pick back onto it, or let it resonate.

How does Cripple Creek start on dobro?

Mark's version starts with a big strum, then goes to the fifth fret of the first string, the first string open, and the second string open, followed by a C chord on the fifth fret.

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